JP3631587B2 - Numerical controller - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an improvement of a numerical controller.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Operations such as various setting operations, data input / output, and system software update in a numerical controller are generally performed using a manual data input device with a display device such as a CRT / MDI. Some control numerical control devices) are not connected to a CRT / MDI or the like, and others are designed not to consider the attachment of a CRT / MDI or the like.
[0003]
In these numerical control devices, a rotary switch and a push switch are provided in the numerical control device main body so that setting operations and maintenance work can be performed by the single numerical control device. You can work. For example, a work item is selected by a rotary switch, and a push switch is pressed to cause the numerical control device to execute processing.
[0004]
However, the existing rotary switch contacts are limited to 16 poles, and work items that can be selected are also limited by the number of rotary switch contacts. If you want to be able to select more work items than this, there is no other way than deploying multiple rotary switches and selecting work items according to their combination. Space for deployment becomes a problem.
[0005]
In addition, when deploying multiple numerical control devices on a network, it is necessary to set an ID for each numerical control device to avoid data collisions on the network. It is necessary to provide a rotary switch for setting ID. Since the ID value is uniquely determined by the position of the contact point of the rotary switch, the ID setting rotary switch must be provided independently of the above-described item selection rotary switch in order to maintain a predetermined ID. I must. Therefore, in the case of a numerical control device deployed on a network, at least a rotary switch for selecting a work item, a push switch for allowing the numerical control device to execute the selected item, and an ID setting A rotary switch and at least three switches are required.
[0006]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
An object of the present invention is to provide a numerical control device that can eliminate the drawbacks of the prior art and can selectively perform various kinds of setting operations and maintenance operations with only a single switch.
[0007]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The present invention comprises a plurality of segments, a display that selectively displays the segments and displays numbers or characters one character, and a switch, and displays the characters cyclically on the display one by one, When the switch is operated and turned on, the above-described object is achieved by a configuration in which an item corresponding to one character displayed on the display unit is processed at that time.
[0008]
Further, each character is displayed cyclically on the display unit, and each time the switch is operated and turned ON, the items corresponding to the one character of the display unit at that time are sequentially selected hierarchically to perform a narrowing operation. By the configuration characterized by processing the finally selected item, a large number of items, for example, data setting and maintenance processing can be easily selected.
[0009]
A 7-segment display (for example, a 7-segment LED) can be used as the display.
[0010]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a block diagram schematically showing the configuration of a numerical controller (motion controller) 10 according to an embodiment to which the present invention is applied.
[0011]
The CPU 11 is a processor that controls the numerical controller 10 as a whole, and is connected to the ROM 12, the RAM 13, and the like via the bus 17. The ROM 12 has at least a minimum startup program required for starting up the CPU 11 fixedly recorded, and this program is automatically started when the numerical controller 10 is turned on. The system software and the like stored in the FROM (flash memory) 15 are read into the RAM 13 to complete the start-up of the numerical controller 10, and various application programs and the like are read from the FROM 15 into the RAM 13 as necessary. The configuration is such that the processing of the CPU 11 based on these programs is started. Of course, the FROM 15 is held in a storage state even when the power of the numerical controller 10 is turned off.
[0012]
The CMOS memory 14 is also a kind of nonvolatile memory, and various parameters important for the system are stored in the RAM. The CMOS memory 14 is also backed up by a battery, and the stored state is maintained even when the power is turned off.
[0013]
The interface 18 is an interface for connecting an external storage device or a peripheral device such as a CRT / MDI. However, in the case of the numerical controller 10 such as a motion controller, the CRT / MDI is not always connected.
[0014]
The 7-segment LED (display) 2 and push switch (switch) 3 are used for simple data setting work and maintenance work instead of manual data input devices with a display such as CRT / MDI. 19 and an interface 20 are connected to the bus 17. The 7-segment LED 2 and the push switch 3 are arranged adjacent to each other on the operation panel 1 provided in the casing of the numerical controller 10 as shown in FIG. The push switch 3 also serves as an ID setting unit of the numerical control device 10 provided on the network. Therefore, the push switch 3 may be the only switch provided in the numerical control device 10, and one or a plurality of rotary switches as in the related art are not required.
[0015]
The memory card 22 is a removable storage means used for data transplantation and backup data storage, and is detachably attached to the numerical controller 10 via the interface 21.
[0016]
The axis control circuit 16 receives a movement command from the CPU 11 and drives and controls the servo motor M for each axis. In FIG. 1, the axis control circuit and servo motor for one axis are shown, but the number varies depending on the structure of the machine to be controlled.
[0017]
FIG. 3 is a diagram conceptually showing the registration state of the data setting application program and the maintenance work application program in the FROM 15. That is, 10 items of options corresponding to 10 types of Arabic numerals “0” to “9” that can be displayed by the 7-segment LED 2 are registered in the first layer as the root, and further, in the second layer. , Subdivided item options derived from each of the first level items are registered for each of the 10 items corresponding to each of the items. Hereinafter, the third hierarchy, the fourth hierarchy,...
[0018]
Therefore, if there are n layers, theoretically 10 ⁿ Although one data setting application program and maintenance work application program can be registered, the number of data setting application programs and maintenance work application programs actually registered is smaller than this. This is because some of the items are used not as means for registering an actual data setting application program or maintenance work application program but as means for switching the selection mode.
[0019]
FIG. 4 partially shows an example of items in the first hierarchy. The items in the first layer are generally means for switching the selection mode and do not themselves provide an actual data setting application program or maintenance work application program. FIG. 5 shows a partial registration example of the second hierarchy, and FIG. 6 shows a partial registration example of the third hierarchy.
[0020]
The number of levels of each item for each option is determined by the number of data setting application programs and maintenance work application programs that are to be selectively executed.
[0021]
For example, if the maintenance operation mode shown in FIG. 4 (SUB3 in FIG. 3) requires less than 10 data setting application programs or maintenance work application programs (SUB30 to SUB39 in FIG. 3), at least the maintenance operation As for the hierarchy for the mode, two hierarchies are sufficient from the root. In actuality, some of the maintenance operation mode processes, such as the restore process shown in FIG. 5 (SUB35 in FIG. 3), require detailed identification of data to be restored. Options are set up to three levels (SUB350 to SUB359 in FIG. 3). As is clear from this example, the hierarchy actually used may differ from item to item. In the hierarchy related to the maintenance operation mode, SUB3 and SUB35 are used as means for switching the selection mode, and the application programs for maintenance work are actually provided by SUB30 to SUB34, SUB36 to SUB38, and SUB350 to SUB358. is there.
[0022]
In any case, in order to uniquely determine the processing to be performed by the CPU 11, it is necessary to specify the choices of each item up to the lowest layer, and an actual data setting application program and a maintenance work application program are provided. All address designations are registered in the lowest layer of each branch (SUB30 to SUB34, SUB36 to SUB38, SUB350 to SUB358, etc.).
[0023]
Hereinafter, the processing operation of the present embodiment will be described with reference to the startup processing at the time of system start shown in FIGS. At this stage, it is assumed that the minimum necessary system software has already been read into the RAM 13.
[0024]
When the operator needs to start an application program for data setting or an application program for maintenance work, the operator turns on the system while pressing the push switch 3 (the 7-segment LED 2 displays the Arabic numeral “0”). If the normal startup process is to be performed, the system is turned on without operating the push switch 3.
[0025]
The CPU 11 that has started processing by reading the minimum necessary system software first inputs whether or not the push switch 3 is operated, that is, a command for performing simple data setting, maintenance work, etc. from the operator side. It is discriminated whether or not (step a1).
[0026]
If the push switch 3 is not operated, it means that it is not necessary to start the data setting application program or the maintenance work application program. Therefore, the CPU 11 uses other system software stored in the FROM 15 as in the conventional case. Then, the data is read into the RAM 13 (step a23), and the system startup process is terminated.
[0027]
If the push switch 3 has been operated, the CPU 11 proceeds to the process of step a2, and starts a process for selecting an application program for performing data setting, maintenance work, and the like.
[0028]
When the push switch 3 is operated, the CPU 11 first resets the register $ (R) for storing the character strings to a null state (step a2), sets the index i for storing the hierarchy to 1, and the hierarchy The index j for storing the item number is initialized to 0 (step a3, step a4).
[0029]
Next, the CPU 11 sets the character blinking period Ti (set value) used in the hierarchy i to the timer T and starts measuring time (step a5, step a6), and sets the Arabic numeral “j” corresponding to the index j to 7 The information is displayed on the segment LED 2 (step a7), and the timer T finishes timing or enters a standby state waiting for the operator to operate the push switch 3 (step a8, step a9).
[0030]
When the timer T has finished counting without the operator operating the push switch 3, the CPU 11 determines whether or not the value of the index j is less than the maximum value “9” that can be displayed on the 7-segment LED 2. (Step a10).
[0031]
If the value of the index j is less than 9, the CPU 11 increments the value of the index j by 1 (step a11), and repeats the processing from step a5 to step a9 based on the value of the index j as described above. If the value of the index j has reached 9, the value of the index j is initialized to 0 (step a4), and the processing from step a5 to step a9 is repeated as described above.
[0032]
Therefore, unless the operator operates the push switch 3, Arabic numerals “0” to “9” corresponding to the value of the index j are cyclically blinked and displayed at the period Ti on the 7-segment LED 2.
[0033]
In this embodiment, the character display cycle Ti is set for each layer i, and the character display cycle in each layer is changed, so that the operator can reliably recognize the layer on which the selection operation is performed. However, when the number of hierarchies is small, that is, when an inadvertent illusion does not occur on the operator side regarding the selection operation at which hierarchy, the flashing cycle Ti of each hierarchy of i = 1 to n. May be the same value. Of course, since the operator refers to the value of the Arabic numeral “j” displayed at that time, the operator operates at least while the desired Arabic numeral “j” is displayed as the period Ti. In addition, a time that allows the operator to perform a selection operation using the push switch 3, for example, a display cycle Ti of at least about 1 second is required.
[0034]
Next, the operator observes the display cycle of the Arabic numerals on the 7-segment LED 2, knows the current operating environment, that is, at which level he is currently performing the selection operation, and displays the Arabic numerals displayed cyclically. The push switch 3 is operated with reference to the value of “j”, the item number for each layer is selected, and the character string corresponding to the number of the application program of the processing operation to be executed is stored in the register $ (R). Generate.
[0035]
When the operator operates the push switch 3 while the Arabic numerals “0” to “9” are cyclically displayed on the 7-segment LED 2 as described above, the CPU 11 detects this operation in the discrimination process at step a9. Then, it is determined whether or not the value of the index j is 9 (step a12).
[0036]
The Arabic numeral “9” is a special value among the item numbers. In the first layer, a number for canceling the selection operation of the application program and executing normal startup processing, and the second and subsequent layers. In this hierarchy, the number is determined as a number for redoing the selection operation by going back one hierarchy.
[0037]
If the index j is a value other than 9, the CPU 11 registers the character “j” corresponding to the current value of the index j, that is, the character “j” displayed on the 7-segment LED 2 at this stage in the register $ (R). Is added as a character string (step a13), and an item SUB [$ (R)] corresponding to the current value of the character string $ (R) is retrieved from the CMOS memory 15 (step a14), and this item is an execution program. Whether the data setting application program or maintenance work application program address is stored, or whether it is an item for switching the selection mode (step a15).
[0038]
If the determination result in step a15 is false, that is, if the item in this hierarchy is for selection mode switching, the processing to be performed by the CPU 11 is not yet uniquely determined in this hierarchy. It means that. For example, even if “3” in the first hierarchy is selected in the example of FIG. 3, there are options corresponding to “3” in the first hierarchy from SUB30 to SUB39 in the second hierarchy. Means that it is not uniquely determined in the first hierarchy.
[0039]
Therefore, if the determination result in step a15 is false, the CPU 11 determines whether or not the value of the index i has reached the final value n of the hierarchy (step a21), and if not, stores the hierarchy. The value of the index i is incremented by 1 (step a22), and the above-described processing of step a4 to step a15 is repeatedly executed to cause the operator to input the item number of the next hierarchy.
[0040]
Note that, although the value of the index i has reached the final value n of the hierarchy, a data setting application program or maintenance work application for SUB [$ (R)] corresponding to the current value of the character string $ (R) If the program is not detected, it means that even if the character string $ (R) is specified up to the branch of the lowest layer, it does not reach the application program to be executed, which is clearly an option registration mistake. Therefore, in this case, the CPU 11 sets a predetermined time Tx in the timer T and starts measuring time (steps a24 and a25), and until the timer T finishes counting, the alphabet “A” is displayed on the 7-segment LED 2. (However, the top of the zenith is flat) is displayed blinking to notify the operator that an error has occurred (step a26, step a27), and the initial state of step a2 is restored.
[0041]
On the other hand, the character strings corresponding to the number of the application program of the processing operation that the operator wants to execute are finally generated in the register $ (R) by repeating the processing of step a4 to step a15 and steps a21 and a22. When the SUB [$ (R)] storing the addresses of the data setting application program and the maintenance work application program is retrieved from the FROM 15 and the determination result in step a15 becomes true, the CPU 11 sets the SUB [$ (R)]. In accordance with the registered address designation, the corresponding data setting application program or maintenance application program is read from the FROM 15 into the RAM 13 and activated (step a16).
[0042]
An example of the maintenance work application program is shown in FIG. The application program taken up here specifies SUB [$ (R)] = SUB38 specified by specifying “3” in the item specification of the first layer and further specifying “8” in the item specification of the second layer. Application program, that is, SRAM backup processing.
[0043]
The CPU 11 that has started the application program for SRAM backup processing first sets the allowable waiting time Tx (around 6 seconds) to the timer T and starts measuring time (step b1, step b2), and corresponds to the current value of the index j. The Arabic numeral “j”, in short, the character at the bottom of the character string of $ (R) (in this case “8”) blinks on the 7-segment LED 2 and the final selection result (however, the lowest) (Only the value of the character string is displayed) is notified to the operator (step b3), and the timer T is counted while repeating the blinking display of the same character, or the operator enters a standby state waiting for the operator to operate the push switch 3 (step b3). b4, step b5, step b3).
[0044]
If the operation of the push switch 3 is not detected during the standby allowable time Tx, the CPU 11 assumes that the SRAM backup processing command has been canceled by the operator, and automatically terminates the application program of the SUB 38. (The determination result at step b4 is true), and the process proceeds to step a17.
[0045]
If the operation of the push switch 3 is detected during the standby allowable time Tx, the CPU 11 assumes that the execution of the application program is authorized by the operator, reads the parameters of the SRAM 14, and stores them in the memory card 22. Save (step b6), and then compare the contents of the memory card 22 with the original data of the SRAM 14 to determine whether a normal backup has been taken (step b7).
[0046]
If a normal backup is obtained, the CPU 11 ends the application program of the SUB 38 (the determination result of step b7 is true), and proceeds to the process of step a17.
[0047]
If normal backup has not been taken, the CPU 11 sets Tx to the timer T and starts measuring time (step b8, step b9), and the 7-segment LED 2 until the timer T ends counting. Then, the letter “A” indicating the occurrence of an error blinks to inform the operator that the backup has failed (step b10, step b11), and then the SUB38 application program is terminated and the processing proceeds to step a17.
[0048]
The CPU 11 that has finished the designated data setting application program or the maintenance work application program and proceeds to the processing of step a17 is one character (as an example of SUB38) positioned at the lowest position of the character string of the register $ (R). Therefore, the memory of “8”) is erased, and the processing after step a4 is started again in the same manner as described above.
[0049]
Therefore, at this stage, if the Arabic numeral “j” cyclically displayed on the 7-segment LED 2 is selected again by operating the push switch 3 (see step a4 to step a15), the same hierarchy as the previously executed application program. The other application program can be executed (see step a16), or the same application program as the previously executed application program can be re-executed (see step a16). In the above example, “8” is deleted from the character string “38” of the register $ (R), and an arbitrary number of “0” to “8” can be added after the character string “3”. Therefore, it is possible to selectively execute an arbitrary process of SUB30 to SUB38 in the same hierarchy as SUB38.
[0050]
When executing another application program in the same hierarchy continuously, or when performing a retry process when the target process is not achieved due to an error, select or reselect the application program in the same hierarchy using this operation procedure. To do.
[0051]
In addition, after executing an application program in a certain hierarchy, it is possible to reselect and execute another process having a different upper hierarchy or series without restarting the system. After confirming that the Arabic numeral “9” is displayed on the LED 2, the push switch 3 is operated.
[0052]
When the push switch 3 is operated when the Arabic numeral “9” is displayed on the 7-segment LED 2, the CPU 11 detects this operation in the discrimination process in step a9 in the same manner as described above, and whether the value of the index j is 9 or not. It is determined whether or not (step a12). Naturally, in this case, the value of the index j is 9.
[0053]
Therefore, the CPU 11 further determines whether or not the value of the index i is 1, that is, whether or not the Arabic numeral “9” is selected by the selection operation in the first hierarchy (step a18). .
[0054]
As already described, since the selection of the Arabic numeral “9” in the first layer is a number for canceling the selection operation of the application program and executing the normal startup process, the determination result in step a18 becomes true. In such a case, the CPU 11 shifts to the process of step a23 and performs a normal startup process, similarly to the case where the system is turned on without operating the push switch 3.
[0055]
When the index i is 2 or more and the determination result at step a18 is false, that is, when the Arabic numeral “9” is selected in the second and subsequent layers, the CPU 11 The process for reselecting another process in the upper hierarchy is started without restarting. In this case, the CPU 11 first invalidates the selection operation of the Arabic numerals performed in the hierarchy one level higher by erasing the memory of one character located at the lowest position of the character string of the register $ (R). (Step a19) The value of the index i for storing the hierarchy is decremented by 1 (step a20), and the processing after step a4 is started again to enable the selection operation in the hierarchy one hierarchy higher.
[0056]
As an example, “3” is first selected in the first hierarchy, “8” is selected in the second hierarchy, and the SRAM backup processing (SUB38) of the second hierarchy is performed, and then another process is performed retroactively to the first hierarchy. The overall process flow will be briefly described in the case where the normal startup process is performed.
[0057]
First, the value of the character string of the register $ (R) at the time of starting the SRAM backup process is “38” as described above, and when the SRAM backup process of step a16 corresponding thereto is completed, the register $ is processed by the process of step a17. “8” is deleted from the character string “38” in (R), the value of the character string in the register $ (R) is changed to “3”, and the processing from step a4 onward is started again. Needless to say, the value of the index i at this time is 2.
[0058]
When the Arabic numeral “9” is selected by the push switch 3 here, the CPU 11 detects this operation in the discrimination process in step a9. In this case, since j = 9, the discrimination result in step a12 is true. Then, “9” is not read into the register $ (R) (the process of step a13 is not executed), and the value of the register $ (R) is held at “3” as it is. Since i = 2, the determination result in step a18 is false, and the process of step a19 again erases the last character “3” from the register $ (R) and initializes it to the null state. Further, the value of the index i for storing the hierarchy is changed to i = 1 by the process of step a20.
[0059]
Next, the processing after step a4 is started again, but the value of the index i is initialized to 1, and the value of the register $ (R) is initialized to null. It is possible to select any Arabic numeral from “9” to “9” and redo the selection operation in the first layer, or to execute another application program in the first layer.
[0060]
If “9” is selected again here, the normal start-up process of step a23 is executed through the discrimination processes of step a9, step a12, and step a18.
[0061]
In other words, in this embodiment, another application program in the same hierarchy as the previously executed application program can be continuously executed without performing time-consuming processing such as restarting the system. The error is resolved by re-executing the application program in which the error occurred, and the system is restarted after the maintenance work is completed. The normal start-up process can be performed as it is.
[0062]
The SRAM backup process (see FIG. 9) has been described as an example of the data setting application program and the maintenance work application program. However, other data setting application programs and maintenance work application programs, for example, the device number setting mode SUB2 3 can be implemented in the same manner as in the case of SRAM backup processing by designating the address of the application program with the register $ (R) described above for the index file as shown in FIG. Step a16).
[0063]
【The invention's effect】
According to the numerical control device of the present invention, various types of setting operations and maintenance work relating to the numerical control device can be selectively performed only by a simple display that displays characters one by one and a single switch. it can. In addition, since the processing item selection switch and the ID setting switch can be shared, the number of components of setting means such as a switch can be reduced, and the installation space can be saved.
[0064]
In addition, since the final processing items are selected by repeating hierarchical selection work by operating the switch, there is no limitation on the number of characters that can be displayed on the display or the number of contact points on the switch. A number of processing item options can be easily handled.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a main part of a numerical control apparatus according to an embodiment to which the present invention is applied.
FIG. 2 is a diagram simply showing a mounting state of a display and a switch on the numerical control device.
FIG. 3 is a diagram conceptually illustrating a registration state of a data setting application program and a maintenance work application program.
FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a registration state of a data setting application program and a maintenance work application program (partial registration example of the first layer).
FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a registration state of a data setting application program and a maintenance work application program (partial registration example of the second layer);
FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a registration state of a data setting application program and a maintenance work application program (partial registration example of the third layer).
FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an outline of a processing operation of the numerical control apparatus according to the present embodiment.
FIG. 8 is a continuation of the flowchart showing the outline of the processing operation of the numerical controller.
FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an application program for maintenance work.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 Operation panel
2 7-segment LED (display)
3 Push switch (switch)
10 Numerical controller (motion controller)
11 CPU
12 ROM
13 RAM
14 CMOS memory (non-volatile memory)
15 FROM (flash memory)
16 axis control circuit
17 Bus
18 interface
19 Interface
20 interfaces
21 interface
22 Memory card

Claims (4)

It is composed of a plurality of segments, and comprises a display that selectively displays the segments and displays numbers or characters one character, and a switch. The switch is cyclically displayed one by one, and the switch is operated. A numerical control device characterized in that when ON, an item corresponding to one character displayed on the display at that time is processed. It is composed of a plurality of segments, and comprises a display that selectively displays the segments and displays numbers or characters one character, and a switch. The switch is cyclically displayed one by one, and the switch is operated. Each time it is turned on, a numerical control device is characterized in that an item corresponding to one character of the display at that time is sequentially selected hierarchically to perform a narrowing operation, and processing of the finally selected item is performed. . The numerical control device according to claim 1, wherein the processing is data setting or maintenance processing. 4. The numerical control device according to claim 1, wherein the display is a 7-segment display.

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